This is the second St. Patrick’s Day since the first case of COVID-19 was diagnosed in Jackson County. Some people may be ready to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day as they would have before the pandemic beginning, but it is not yet time to let your guard down. While knowing that some of our most vulnerable community members are vaccinated provides hope, there are still many more of us waiting to be vaccinated in the next few months.
That means the safest way to celebrate this year is to celebrate with the people you live with, gather virtually, or gather outside while wearing face coverings and maintaining 6 feet of physical distance.
Here are some ideas for celebrating safely:
- Decorate your home in St. Patrick’s Day colors, shamrocks and leprechauns.
- Celebrate by making Irish-inspired recipes.
- Have a small outdoor St. Patrick’s Day celebration with everyone at least 6 feet apart and wearing masks.
- Watch a virtual St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
- Don’t forget to wear green!
COVID-19 Workplace Outbreak
Jackson County Public Health is investigating a COVID-19 outbreak associated with Timber Products Co. Jackson County Public Health began investigating this as a potential outbreak on March 8, 2021. At this time, there are 15 cases linked to this outbreak.
COVID-19 Vaccine Updates
The Johnson & Johnson is an effective vaccine. This vaccine was 100% effective in preventing COVID-19 deaths during clinical trials, which were conducted in parts of the world where new variants were already circulating.
It’s important for people in Jackson County to understand that all COVID-19 vaccines are safe and the most effective way to stop the spread of the virus.
- The best COVID-19 vaccine is the one you can get.
- The different vaccines were measured through clinical trials conducted at different times, in different places, measuring different outcomes.
- All our vaccines are proven to be safe and reduce your risks from COVID-19
As of March 15, 2021, there were a total of 39,915 people vaccinated in Jackson County. Of that total, 23,435 individuals are fully vaccinated. You can find this information on the Oregon Health Authority’s Data Dashboard, County Vaccination Trends.
People 65 and older are currently eligible to receive the vaccine. Jackson County has not moved onto Phase 1B, Groups 6 and 7. Individuals 65 and older are still the priority population, as well as individuals in Phase 1A.
Please continue to check the Jackson County Health and Human Services COVID-19 Vaccine website for vaccine locations: https://jacksoncountyor.org/hhs/General/NewsInformation/covid-19-vaccine-1, as new sites are being added.
Resources on vaccine eligibility and where to access the vaccine:
- Jackson County Health and Human Services COVID-19 Vaccine website: https://jacksoncountyor.org/hhs/General/News-Information/covid-19-vaccine-1
- This website will provide information on where people can access the vaccine, how to make an appointment, and list additional resources if people need assistance with scheduling appointments.
- To schedule an appointment at the Community COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic, call 541-789-2813 and press option 2 for English and option 3 for Spanish. Due to the high demand, there may be longer than expected wait times on the phone to schedule an appointment. We are working on an online scheduling platform.
- 211 Information is also available to answer questions about vaccine eligibility and access.
- Text ORCOVID to 898211 to get text/SMS updates (English and Spanish only)
- Email ORCOVID@211info.org (All languages)
- Call 211 or 1-866-698-6155 from 6 am – 7 pm daily, including holidays
- Register on the Get Vaccinated Oregon tool and check for county-specific information.
For more information: